At a glance the quick version
Bucks 9-11 lb (about 4.1-5.0 kg), does 10-12 lb (about 4.5-5.4 kg) per Wikipedia; ARBA maximum 12 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense standing fur
A large commercial-type rabbit with very dense fur about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long. The coat is unusual: stroke it from tail to head and it stays standing upright until smoothed back. Silver-tipped and white hairs are scattered evenly through the dark coat, giving it a bright, frosted look similar to the pelt of a silver fox.321
Personality what they are like
A large, docile and even-tempered rabbit that usually enjoys attention and handling. It is often recommended for first-time keepers and families, and does are known as excellent mothers and foster mothers.134
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs regular time out of its enclosure to explore and stretch; as a large breed it needs more room than average.45
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush about every two weeks with a slicker brush outside moulting season and more often while it moults. Spot-clean with a damp cloth rather than bathing. Trim nails regularly.4
Home where they are happiest
Needs a large enclosure with soft bedding on solid flooring rather than wire, spot-cleaned daily and fully changed weekly. Welfare guidance asks for enough height to stand upright and room for several hops in a row.45
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.46
Company who they like around
Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.64
The story where it all began
Walter B. Garland of Ohio developed the breed in the early 20th century, probably from Checkered Giants, Champagne d'Argent and possibly American Blue rabbits, though the exact mix is uncertain. Approved as the American Heavyweight Silver in 1925, it took the Silver Fox name in 1929.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the only ARBA breed with standing fur: stroked backwards, the coat stays up until smoothed down again.1
- 2
It started out as the 'American Heavyweight Silver' and was renamed in 1929.2
- 3
Chocolate became an official ARBA colour in 2021, joining black.1
- 4
Does usually raise litters of 6-8 kits and are prized as foster mothers.3
- 5
It appears in Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste catalogue of heritage foods.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Standard approved in 1925 as the American Heavyweight Silver in black and blue; renamed in 1929. Blue was dropped in the 1970s and chocolate accepted in 2021. Commercial type, 6-class breed. The only ARBA breed with standing fur.1
- ARBA
- Maximum weight 12 lb; silver-tipped and white hairs evenly spread through the coat; national club NSFRC.2
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Heritage breed; graduated from the Conservation Priority List in 2026 after reaching stable numbers.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silver Fox Rabbit. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Silver Fox Rabbit?
Provide unlimited grass hay every day, along with a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Fresh water should always be available. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.46 Furry Diary plan
What should a Silver Fox Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly good grass hay, with daily leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Always provide fresh water.4678
Should I bathe a Silver Fox Rabbit?
No, you should not bathe a Silver Fox Rabbit. Instead, spot-clean with a damp cloth if needed. Bathing can stress them and damage their coat.4
Does a Silver Fox Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, brush your Silver Fox Rabbit about every two weeks with a slicker brush, and more often during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, daily while moulting.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Silver Fox Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Trim your rabbit's nails regularly, about every six weeks as per Furry Diary's plan. Check their teeth weekly because they never stop growing; provide hay to help wear them down. Consult a vet for any issues.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Silver Fox Rabbit need?
Provide a large enclosure with solid flooring and soft bedding, tall enough to stand upright and long enough for several hops. Give at least 4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily for exercise.45 Furry Diary plan
Should a Silver Fox Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Silver Fox Rabbits are social and do best with at least one compatible rabbit friend. They also enjoy calm daily interaction with their human family.64
How long does a Silver Fox Rabbit live?
A Silver Fox Rabbit typically lives between 5 and 8 years with proper care.4
Is a Silver Fox Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, the Silver Fox Rabbit is often recommended for families and first-time keepers due to its docile, even-tempered nature. They usually enjoy attention and handling, making them a good pet for children with adult supervision.134
How do I hold a Silver Fox Rabbit?
Proper handling varies by rabbit; always support the hindquarters and never lift by the ears. For specific techniques, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Silver Fox rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, weights, fur, colours, temperament, facts
- Silver Fox - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for developer, name change, max weight, coat
- Silver Fox Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, conservation status, fur, temperament, litters
- Silver Fox Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, grooming, care
- Rabbit environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing space
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general diet and social care
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.